My family and I love to travel – especially during the summer. While some of our adventures have taken place in Australia, Europe, and other faraway places, sometimes it’s better to stay closer to home. Shorter trips (and even day trips) that allow for the avoidance of airports and flying are great for long weekends in the summer. Plus, road trips are a great source of uninterrupted family time and fun.

No matter what city you live in, road trips with your family are guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime. CitiScoop travel expert Christina Ohly Evans shows just how easy it is for New Yorkers to find beautiful and fun destinations within short distances of their homes. If you don’t live near Coastal New England, don’t worry – there are exciting nearby locations all around you. All you have to do is get in your car and explore!

-Tracey Frost Rensky, CEO and Co-founder, Citibabes

Looking for great summer escapes that don’t involve the LIE, JFK, or lost luggage?  Then head north to coastal New England for beautiful beaches, a taste of history, and regional delicacies of every kind.

Going to Guilford

Make your first stop the quintessentially New England town of Guilford, Connecticut. With its central Village Green, quaint shops, and nearby rocky beaches, there is something for everyone in the area.  Pack a delicious picnic of sandwiches, local berries, homemade gazpacho, and freshly baked cookies from Bishops Orchards (1355 Boston Post Road, 203-453-2338) before heading to the Henry Whitfield State Museum (248 Old Whitfield Street, 203-453-2457), the oldest stone house in New England that offers a glimpse into 17th century Puritan life. All ages will enjoy hiking Guilford’s network of nature trails before a swim at Jacob’s Beach (passes are $6 on weekdays, $8 on weekends).  Finish your day with a dinner of fresh fish at the Stone House Restaurant  on Guilford’s scenic Marina.

Rhode Trips

It’s hard to beat the charm of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, with its’ 1856 lighthouse, the Flying Horse Carousel (the oldest operating carousel in the country, complete with brass rings), and idyllic harbor filled with sail boats of every size.  Check in to the newly renovated Ocean House (1 Bluff Avenue, 401-584-7000), a classic grand hotel that features a pristine private beach, a sprawling spa, and every amenity a lucky kid could ever hope for.  After a day spent in the surf, venture down to local hot-spot, St. Clair Annex, for lobster rolls and the most amazing homemade Black Raspberry ice cream you’ll ever taste. Other must-sees include Napatree Point, a 1.5 mile stretch of beach that features an old fort and beautiful views of Little Narragansett Bay and Fisher’s Island. No trip to Watch Hill is complete without a stop at the Cooked Goose (92 Watch Hill Rd., 401-348-9888), a restaurant and gourmet deli offering everything from hearty breakfasts to homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Great Cape Escape

Further north you’ll find even more Americana in Chatham, Massachusetts, at the southeast tip of Cape Cod. Nest at the sweet Chatham Gables Inn (364 Old Harbor Road, 508-945-5859), a 170 year old former sea captain’s house, complete with Chart Room and sprawling gardens.  For ocean-front luxury, opt for the Chatham Bars Inn  (297 Shore Road, 800-527-4884) where families can play tennis, sail, and take advantage of kid-friendly activities such as a Dune Buggy Derby, Wacky Beach Olympics, talent shows, scavenger hunts, and more. Take a whale watching trip (508-945-0096), explore nearby Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for some seafaring history, or stay local and watch a Cape Cod Baseball League game.  Hit the Lazy Lobster (247 Orleans Road, 508-945-0032) for their signature lobster rolls and thick chowder before heading home.

by Christina Ohly Evans, CitiScoop Travel Expert